Eighteen enforcement officers were among 27 individuals arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly receiving bribes in exchange for illegally facilitating the entry of foreign nationals.
According to sources, those detained in the “counter setting” syndicate comprised 19 men and eight women aged between their 20s and 50s.
Counter setting involves selected travellers being allowed through immigration inspection without undergoing proper procedures.
They were arrested in operations across Selangor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan yesterday.
“The suspects are believed to be involved in a syndicate that paid and received bribes in exchange for enabling foreigners to enter the country without following established procedures.
“As part of the operation, MACC seized more than RM200,000 in cash, several jewellery items, gold bars, cars, motorcycles, handbags, watches, and telecommunication devices,” the source said.
The source said MACC also froze 40 bank accounts – 34 belonging to individuals and six to companies – with funds totalling more than RM1 million.
All the suspects have been remanded for between three and seven days.
In addition to the 18 enforcement officers, those remanded comprised five company owners, one company manager, and three individuals.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests, and said the investigation was being carried out under Sections 16 and 17 of the MACC Act 2009 for corruptly soliciting or accepting gratifications, and bribery involving “agents”.
